Fall leaves cleared off the lawn and beds before they pack down, so the grass can breathe going into winter.
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In Missouri the leaves do not all drop at once. MU Extension says ash and maple leaves usually fall in October and November and oak leaves in November and December. After a hot, dry summer, trees like cottonwood shed a lot of leaves in late August and September too. That is why one cleanup rarely does it. A yard under big oaks can look clear at Thanksgiving and be covered again a week later.
Leaves cannot just sit there. MU horticulturist David Trinklein says leaves left on a lawn pack down into a tight mat that blocks the sun, and they hold moisture, which raises the chance of disease. An MU article adds that a dense layer of wet, matted leaves should not stay on the grass more than about four days. MU's guide to grass in shade says to rake leaves off shaded turf before they build up at all.
There are two good ways to deal with leaves, and we pick based on how many there are. A light layer can be mulched right into the lawn. MU's method is the mower at its highest setting, a crisscross pattern, and two passes to cut the leaves into confetti-size pieces that break down in the grass. MU also says not to mulch when the layer is over about 2 inches or soaking wet, because it leaves clumps. Heavy piles get cleared off the lawn and out of the beds instead.
Often, yes. MU Extension says a light layer of leaves can be mowed at the highest setting, in a crisscross pattern, until the pieces are confetti size, and they break down in the lawn. When the layer is deeper than about 2 inches or soaking wet, mulching leaves clumps behind, so those leaves get cleared off instead.
It depends on your trees. MU says ash and maple usually drop in October and November and oaks in November and December. A yard with a mix of trees often needs two or three visits to stay clear through the fall.
Missouri has banned leaves, grass clippings and branches from its landfills since January 1, 1992, according to MU Extension. Joplin, Webb City and Carl Junction each run a fall leaf pickup, with their own rules. Ask us about the leaves when you call, and we will talk through what fits your yard.
Mowing, edging, trimming, overgrown yard cleanup, leaf cleanup, and bush and hedge trimming. If you're not sure, just ask.
Absolutely. Weekly or biweekly service keeps the lawn looking sharp all season without you having to call every time.
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